Rigger&#39;s truck.



PATETED JUNE z3, 1908.` f

` J. ROSS.

' BIGGER-S TRUCK.

APPLIUATION FILED MAY 14, 1907.

1HE NuRRls Pszns cc., wAsHlNcroN, n. cA

Pennsylvania,

JOHN ROSS, OF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA.

RIGGERS TRUCK.

Specication of Letters Patent.

Patented June 23, 1908.

Application led May 14, 1907. Serial No. 373,594.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that l,

ment in Riggers Trucks, of which the ing 1s a specification.

My invention has reference to riggers7k trucks, and consists of certain improvements which are fully set forth in the following specification and shown in the accompanying drawings, which form a part thereof.

The object of my invention isv to provide means for moving heavy objects, such as machinery, building material, houses, etc., by such means that they may be easily handled with speedy and accurate transportation at a minimum cost.

My invention more specifically relates to the construction of a single caster truck adapted to support the load, whether said load is close to the ground or at a considerable elevation; and in practice several of these independent caster trucks may be employed with any given load.

My invention consists of a base-truck, comprising a frame and a caster wheel, combined with an adjustable turn-table detachably connected with the truck and centered thereon by interlocking parts, a portion of which are on the truck and a portion on the base ofthe turn-table.

My invention also consists of the truck above specified when further combined with one or more adjustable frames having interlocking parts adapted to interlock one frame with another or with the top or bottom of the turn-table and also with the top of the basetruck frame, wherebythe turn-table may be supported at an elevation above the basetruck and so as to come directly under the work, or be supported at any other position between the base-truck and the work as the exigencies of the case demand.

My invention also comprehends details of construction which, together with the features above specified, will be better understood by reference to the drawings, in which 1- Y Figure 1 is a side elevation of my improved riggers truck complete showing one form of adjustment; Fig. 2 is a plan view of the basetruck of he same, Fig. 3 is a perspective view of one of the removable frames therefor; Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the upper portion of the turn-table; Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the lower or base portion of the 'turn-table 3 JOHN Ross, of the city and county of Philadelphia and State of have invented an Im rove-` ollowand Fig. 6 is a side elevation of my improved truck, showing the parts of Fig. 1 arranged in a dierent order, and with a modified manner of su porting the axle.

A 1s the base-truck, B are the independent Y n,

adjustableframes for building up the truck to any height desired, and O is the turn-table. The frames B are formed of wood, but the turn-table Cy is formed of cast metal. The several arts A, B and C are rovided with interloc 'ng portions which hold them in proper relative alinement and resist torsional displacement in a horizontal plane. Moreover, the interlocking parts permit the adjustmentof the several portions, one to the other pendent frames, as indicated in Fig. 1, or below them and next to the base-truck, as

in such a mannerthat the turntable may be arranged at the top of the indeindicated in Fig. 6, or if desired, at any mter- Y mediate position, so that complete adaptability ofthe truck, both as to height or position of the turn-table, is at the command of the rigger to suit any particular character of work which he is required to perform.

Referring to the base-truck A, the two i sides A A are rigidly secured together at a distance apart by the cross frames A2 A2 which are bolted to the side frames by means of bolts A3 or otherwise. D is a transverse axle which is journaled in the side frames A and 'secured to this' axle is a caster wheel E, preferably of considerable width, so as to prevent the truck from rocking in the direction of this axle. notched or ratchet-wheel d. Loosely sleeved upon the axle D, is one end of a hand lever F, provided with a suitable double pawl f for engaging the notched or ratchet-wheel. In the position shown in Fig. 1, the reciprocation. of the lever F will cause the truck to move to the right, whereas if the lever is thrust over to the right side of the truck, the other portion of the pawl comes into play and in this case a reciprocation of the lever will make the truck move to the left. Aside from the particular form of awl and ratchetwheel shown, any other we l-known or suitable form for rotating the axle and the caster wheel E may be employed. The upper part of the base-truck A is provided with two transverse notches formed by the raised central parts G G and by the upward extension of the transverse cross frames A2. These notches form interlocking parts on the truck to engage the interlocking parts of the ad- Secured to the axle D, is a ioo justable frames B or of the turn-table as the case may be the former being shown in Fig. 1, and the latter in Fig. 6.

Referring now to the adjustable frames B, it will be seen from Fig. 3 that these frames comprise two side frames B B connected by two transverse bars B2 B2 which are secured in place upon the ends of the side frames by vertical bolts B3. The central portions of the side frames B are provided on the top with upwardly extendin parts H, and on the bottom with downwardly extending corresponding parts I. This provides notches between the parts B2 and H on the upper part of the frame which correspond to the notches between the parts A2 and G on the base-truck. The cross section of the side frames B on each side of the parts H and I is such as to snugly iit the notches or spaces between the parts-A2 and G on the base-truck and form with them an interlock, as clearly shown in Fig. 1. The width and the'length of the parts I on the bottom of the side frames B are such as to snugly fit between the two side frames A A of the base-truck, and conse- Yquently, these parts I prevent the frame B as a whole from shifting in a direction parallel to the axle of the truck g and this forms an additional interlock between the parts A and B. As all of the frames B are alike and are all properly proportioned one to the other, it is evident that by turning every adjacent frame at right angles to the one upon which Ait rests, the series of frames will be stacked one upon the other, and all will be interlocked, so that no frame may be -twisted or shifted in a horizontal plane relatively to any other frame or to the base-truck. For convenience of illustration, I have shown four of such adjustable frames B, but there may be employed any number, one or more, as desired.

The turn-table C consists of a base and a top part K pivoted together in any suitable manner. In the form shown, the base part J is provided with a spherical upper portion J2 which is received within a spherical socket K2 these two parts are rmly engaged in a transverse direction but permit free rotation of the upper part K upon the lower part J about a vertical axis. The base part J is provided at opposite sides with notches J of such size as to receive the upwardly extending interlocking parts H of the adjustable frames B or the upwardly extending interlocking parts G of the base-truck, so as to either engage the adjustable frames, as shown in Fig. 1, or the truck, as shown in Fig. 6. It will be seen that the base J itself interlocks with the other portions with which it engages, so that it cannot be twisted or shifted in any horizontal direction relatively to the part on which it rests. The upper part K of the turn-table is likewiseprovided on opposite sides with part J in the upper part K, so that notches K which are adapted to receive the downwardly extending interlocking portions I of the adjustable frames B when the turntable is arranged below said adjustable frames, as indicated in Fig. 6. This would also be the case where the turn-table was interposed between a series of adjustable frames, that is to say, when one or more of said frames were below the base part J of the turn-table and one or more of the frames arranged above the upper part K of the turntable, a condition of which latter use might occur where four or more of these trucks were employed under a load in which the turntable on three of them was practically adjacent to the under surface of the load, and the fourth turn-table, while being on the same level as the other three turn-tables, was considerably below the load at that point and in which was employed the under-frame to complete the distance between the top of the turn-table and the under part of the load. In this case, all of the turn-tables would be at the same level and the operation of the trucks in connection with the entire work would be more uniform and reliable.

By means of these trucks, power may be applied at any place under the load and any truck may be adjusted under its turn-table to suit the direction in which it is desired to move the load. However, when moving the load in a straight line, as, for example, when moving a house down a street, and when the same is pulled by means of horses or a windlass, it is desirable to lock the turn-table against rotationso that the axle D of the truck is maintained at right angles to the direction of movement. To accomplish this in a simple and positive manner, I provide the upper portion of the turn-table with transverse holes 7c near its base, and similarly I provide a transverse hole Z through the spherical portion J 2 of the base part of the turntable. W'hen these holes come into alinement, a bolt L is passed through for the purpose of positively locking them together against rotation. Such a bolt is indicated in Fig. 5, but would not be used excepting in cases where a considerable distance of straight travel was necessary. In place of the employment of this bolt, any other suitable device or means of interlocking the parts J and K may be employed.

Ordinarily, the axle D is supported in rigid bearings in the side frames A of the base-truck, but in some cases it is desirable that the truck body hshall be supported upon springs to relieve the strain on the load. In Fig. 6, I have shown my truck modified in this respect. In this case, the axle D is j ournaled in boxes r secured to the middle of plate springs R, the ends of which rest against the under portions of extensions of the transverse frames A2. In this way, the

truck frame or turn-table and the adjustable frames B are-all spring-supported upon the axle and caster wheels. Any other suitable arrangement of 4spring-support may be employed in place of that shown if so desired.

The frames B are of such construction that the several p arts of which they are composed may be readily disconnected for shipment; or if desired by loosening the bolts B3 the two side frames B may be swung together by using the transverse frames B2 as radius bars. In their closedposition, they would occupy very much less cubic space.

I/Vhile it is cheaper to construct the frame work of the base-truck of wood, it may, if desired, be constructed of metal. By employ- .ing wood instead of iron, the truck is also lighter and therefore more easily handled and cheaper to transport to the place where the Work is to be done.

TWhile I prefer the construction shown, the details may be modified without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Having now described my invention, what I claim, as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

1. In a riggers truck, a truck portion consisting of a rectangular frame having raised central portions on two of its sides and upwardly extended portions on the other sides forming interlocking notched portions, a notched shaft, a caster wheel secured to the shaft, and means for rotating the caster wheel.

2. In a riggers7 truck, a truck portion consisting of a rectangular frame having raised central portions on two of its sidesand upwardly extended portions on the other sides forming Yinterlocking notched portions,. a transverse shaft, a caster wheel secured to the shaft, and means for rotating the caster wheel, combined with an adjustable frame adapted to be removably supported upon the truck frame and comprising side frames adapted to fit into the interlocking notches in the top of the truck frame and provided with downwardly extending portions adapted to interlock between the side frames of the truck and cross frames for connecting the side frames of the adjustable frame together.

3. In a riggers7 truck, a truck portion consisting of a rectangular frame having raised central portions on two of its sides and upwardly extended portions on the other sides forming interlocking notched portions, a transverse shaft, a caster wheel secured to the shaft, and means for rotating the caster wheel, combined with a series of independent frames supported one upon the other and the whole seiies supported'upon the truck frame, the said independent frames each being rovided with interlocking parts ada te( to interlock one with the other and a so with movement in a transverse direction.

4. In a riggers truck, a truck portion consisting of a rectangular frame having raised central portions on two of its sides and upwardly extended portions on the other sides forming interlocking notched portions, a transverse shaft a caster wheel secured to the shaft, and means for rotating the caster wheel, combined with a series of independent frames supported one upon the other and the Whole series supported upon the truck frame, the said independent frames each being rovided with interlocking parts adapter to interlock one .with the other and also with the truck frame, so as to prevent movement in a transverse direction, and a turn-table resting upon the uppermost independent frame and forming an interlocking connection therewith whereby its base portion is )revented from movement in a horizontal ilirection relatively to the said independent frames.

5. In a riggers truck, a base truck frame supported upon a caster wheel, combined with an independent two part turn-table structure comprising a base part removably interlocked with the base truck frame and an upper part adjustable upon the base art. p 6. In a riggers truck, a base-truck frame supported upon a caster wheel combined with a turn-table having its upper portion adjustable relatively to the truck frame having its base removably interlocked therewith, and one or more independent adjustable frames having top and bottom portions adapted to interlock with both the truck frame and the turn-table whereby the position of the turn-table relative to the basetruck may be varied and the turn-table adjustedA to suit the requirements of the work.

7. In a riggers7 truck, the combination of a base-truck, a series of independent frames resting one upon the other and detachably interlocked one with the other and all supported by the base-truck, a turn-table having its base supported by and interlocked with the uppermost independent frame, and a top frame detachably interlocked with and su ported by the top portion of the turn-table.

8. In a riggers truck, a base truck framey supported upon a caster wheel, combined with an independent two part turn-table structure comprising a base part removably interlocked with the base truck frame and an upjer part adjustable upon the base part, an( removable means for locking the upper part of the turn-table against rotation upon its base part.

9. In a riggers truck, a base-truck frame supported upon a caster wheel combined with a turn-table having its upper portion adjustable relatively to the truck frame having its base removably interlocked therewith, and removable means for locking the upper portion of the turn-table against rotation upon the base portion consisting of a removable bolt extending transversely through the said upper and base portions of the turntab-le.

10. In a riggers truck7 the combination of a base truck having a caster wheel and provided on its top with upwardly extending interlocking portions, and a two part turntable consisting .of a base part detachably supported upon the base truck and having recesses for receiving the upwardly extending interlocking portions thereof and an upper part adjustably pivoted upon the base part and independent of the base truck.

11. In a riggers truck, the base-truck having its truck provided with upwardly extending interlocking portions, combined with'a turn-table arranged above the base-truck and having a base portion provided with recesses shaped for receiving the upwardly eX- tending portions of the base-truck to form an interlock therewith, and having a top movable portion also provided with interlocking recesses, and an independent frame shaped to interlock both with the upward extensions of the base-truck and also with the recesses of the turn-table, whereby the turn-table and independent frame may be interchanged relatively to the base-truck and maintain the interlocked relation between the three parts.

12. An independent frame for a riggers truck consisting of a rectangular framework B having opposite side frames B provided centrally with interlocking projections H, I, and connected by cross bars B2 at each end so as to form notches between the said cross bars and projections H.

13. In a riggers truck, a base' truck frame consisting of four frames arranged in pairs and each pair at right angles to the other pair to form an open center, combined with springs connecting the cross frames of one pair, boxes secured to said springs, a shaft journaled in the boxes vprovided with an irregular end for rotating it, and a roller sepairs of frames. 14. In a riggers truck, a truck frame havring a caster wheel and a shaft journaled in the truck frame for rotating the caster wheel, combined With a series of independent pairs of cross frames each pair being arranged across the adjacent pairs of cross frames and held thereto against rotation in a horizontal plane and all of the series of inde endent pairs of cross frames being detacha ly supported upon the truck frame.

15. In a riggers truck, a truck frame having a caster wheel and a shaft journaled in the truck frame for rotating the caster wheel, combined with a series of independent pairs of cross frames each pair being arranged across the adjacent pairs of cross frames and held thereto against rotation in a horizontal plane and all of the series of independent pairs of cross frames being detachably supported upon the truck frame, and a turn-table resting upon the uppermost independent pair of cross frames.

16. In a riggers truck, a truck frame having a caster wheel and a shaft journaled in the truck frame for rotating the caster Wheel, combined with a series of independent pairs of cross frames each pair being arranged across the adjacent pairs of cross frames and held thereto against rotation in a horizontal plane and all of the series of independent pairs of cross frames being detachably supported upon the truck frame, and a turn-table resting upon the uppermost independent air of cross frames and having means for ocking it against rotation relatively to the cross frames.

In testimony of which invention, I have hereunto set my hand.

JOHN ROSS.

Witnesses:

R. M. HUNTER, R. M. KELLY. 

